Work at height activities pose significant risks and hazards that need to be properly managed to ensure the safety of workers in Singapore. Adhering to the Workplace Safety and Health Act, employers and workers must take proactive measures to prevent accidents and injuries while working at heights. Here are 10 essential safety tips to follow:
Before commencing any work at height, conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential hazards and develop appropriate control measures. Assess factors such as the height involved, weather conditions, equipment requirements, and the competency of workers.
Ensure all workers involved in work at height activities receive appropriate training. Training should cover the safe use of equipment, hazard recognition, emergency procedures, and the importance of following safety guidelines. SCAL Academy offers Manage Work at Height Course and Perform Work at Height Course to enhance workers' knowledge and competence in Singapore.
Workers should wear suitable PPE, such as helmets, safety harnesses, and non-slip footwear, when working at heights. PPE must be inspected regularly, properly maintained, and replaced if damaged.
Employers should provide stable and secure scaffolding and access equipment, such as ladders and platforms. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to identify any defects or issues that may compromise safety.
Use guardrails, toe boards, and safety nets to prevent falls. These fall prevention measures should be installed along the edges of elevated work areas, open-sided platforms, and floor openings.
All tools, equipment, and materials should be properly secured to prevent them from falling. Use tool lanyards, tool belts, or secure storage containers to keep objects from becoming hazards.
When using ladders, ensure they are in good condition, placed on stable surfaces, and set at the correct angle. Workers should maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot or vice versa) when ascending, descending, or working on a ladder.
Establish clear communication channels among workers involved in work at height. Use hand signals, radios, or other reliable methods to ensure effective communication, especially when visibility or noise is a concern.
Perform regular inspections of all work at height equipment, including harnesses, lanyards, scaffolding, and access systems. Ensure proper maintenance, servicing, and replacement of any damaged or worn-out components.
Promote a strong safety culture within the workplace by encouraging workers to actively participate in safety programs, reporting hazards, and suggesting improvements. Regular safety meetings and trainings help reinforce safety practices and raise awareness of work at height risks and preventive measures.
By following these 10 work at height safety tips, employers and workers can significantly reduce the risks associated with working at heights in Singapore. Remember, compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health Act is essential to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
To further enhance your knowledge and competency in managing work at height, consider enrolling in SCAL Academy's Manage Work at Height Course. This course provides comprehensive training on risk assessment, control measures, and safety procedures specific to work at height activities in Singapore.
If you are directly involved in performing work at height tasks, SCAL Academy's Perform Work at Height Course is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out such tasks safely and efficiently.
Remember, investing in proper training and adopting best practices in work at height safety is not only a legal requirement but also a moral responsibility to protect the well-being of workers.
Ensure that safety remains a top priority in all work at height activities. By adhering to the guidelines provided by the Workplace Safety and Health Act and implementing these safety tips, you can create a safer working environment for everyone involved.
“The training provided by SCAL’s experienced and knowledgeable trainers has equipped me with an excellent grasp of construction safety and allowed me to enhance worksite safety in Woh Hup”
“The course content is very relevant to my daily work and I will definitely recommend this course to my colleagues with design background at SCAL Academy.”
“SCAL Academy has a good understanding of how the industry works and the training is much better aligned with practical needs. The trainer also exhibited fantastic content knowledge and this enabled me to apply the concepts to my work.””
